Politics conversation questions
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This is a potentially controversial subject in some societies, and consequently some teachers may want to carefully consider if they wish to use all of these questions.
Contents |
Politics
- What do you think is the most important political issue at the moment?
- Do you enjoy debating politics with your friends? Do they have similar views to yours?
- Do you think people’s political views change over their lifetime? Have your views changed much? (You don’t need to say what they are if you don't want to – only if they have changed.)
- Do you think too much money is spent on campaigns? Where does the money for campaigns come from in your country?
- What say, if any, should religious organisations have in politics?
- Newspapers typically devote many pages to politics. Do you read them? Do you think many people read them?
Politicians
- In the US and sometimes in the UK actors or actresses get involved in politics. Does this happen in your country? Is it a good idea? Are there any entertainers you’d like to see in power?
- Would you like to be a politician? Why, why not?
- Why do you think people get involved in politics?
- What, in general, do you think are the qualities of a good political leader?
- In general, what is your opinion of the politicians in your country?
- Do you think that politicians are, in general, honest? At a guess, what percentage of politicians are corrupt?
Voting
- It's often said that elections are lost, never won. Do you agree? Can you think of any examples in the recent history of your country?
- Did you vote in the last election? Are you going to vote in the next one?
- People sometimes say, "If you don't vote, you have no right to complain about a government." What do you think?
- Do you vote positively – for a candidate, negatively – against a candidate, or tactically – for the party which has the best chance of beating the candidate you like least?
- Is not voting a political statement?
- How old were you when you first voted? Was it your first opportunity?
- What is the minimum voting age in your country? Should it be higher or lower?
- How do you decide your vote? Do you listen to all the arguments and then decide? Do you always vote for the same party? Do you toss a coin?
- Do you know the name of your representative in local and national government?
- How long is the term of elected officials in your country?
- Voter turnout is generally low. How could more people be persuaded to vote?
- Is voting an important responsibility of a citizen? Should it be legally required, as in some European countries?
Nationalism vs patriotism
- George Orwell wrote a famous essay claiming that nationalism was the belief that your country was superior to others while patriotism was the expression of love for your country. Do you agree that there is a difference?
- It is sometimes claimed that there is little difference between nationalism and racism. What is your opinion?
